Gutter Maintenance

Autumn is right around the corner, and with it comes the falling of the leaves with the addition of the never ending pine needles. All this can put a strain on your gutters. Spring might be the ideal time to clean out and repair them, but it is not too late. And it is always a good idea to give things a once over visual inspection.

Gutter Check List

Clear the Way: Be sure that gutters are clear of any debris, especially at all drainage points. Leaves, pine needles, and roofing granules can build up and dry into hard clumps requiring a little elbow grease to clear out. If you notice a large portion of roofing granules it may also be a good idea to check your roofing tiles for possible replacement.

Snug and Secure: Look for any loss braces or gaps between the gutters and the house. Braces may need tightening. If there are any warped sections causing gaps these should be replaced. For gutters to effectively collect and redirect water from running down the sides of your house and possibly ruining your foundation they must be flush against the house.

Fix the Broken: Replace any cracked, broken, rusted, or otherwise damaged sections. Depending on the material used in most cases sections can replaced for easy repairs. Aluminum is one of the most common materials used for gutters, which fortunately is not subject to rust, and is quite durable over time.

In the interest of preserving the value of your home, maintaining your gutters is a relatively simple measure. Investing in new gutters might also be wise if they are very old and neglected. If cleaning out gutters is not your favorite thing to do you may also want to consider upgrading to covered gutters that are designed to keep out debris while still collecting and directing rain water away.